Paper recycling initiatives are encouraged to apply for the second European Paper Recycling Award. NGOs, educational institutes, local authorities and industry have implemented many innovative projects to enhance paper recycling all over Europe but these initiatives are
generally not well known. By promoting these initiatives and raising their profile with an award the European Recovered Paper Council (ERPC) recognises these efforts and hopes to inspire others to copy good practices. The award will identify projects, initiatives and campaigns that contribute to Europe’s sustainability through activities focusing on paper recycling.

“Recycling is increasingly a part of our daily lives and by playing a part in recycling, society can help secure Europe’s sustainability for the future. Paper recycling contributes positively to combating climate change, waste prevention and resource efficiency and helps drive ecodesign of paper products, all of which are key elements of European environmental policies,” explains Phil Mogel, Chairman of the ERPC.

Eligible projects, initiatives or campaigns will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Relevance and originality
• Achievements
• Possibility to reproduce the project
• Cost effectiveness

There are two award categories:
• Information & Education
• Technology improvement & R&D

The initiatives may be ongoing or completed, but they must already have started; however, not before January 2005. All entries must be submitted by Friday 31 July 2009 before midday Brussels time.

An independent jury from across Europe will judge the entries in each category. The jury includes representatives from the European institutions as well as civic organisations and NGOs. European wide recognition of the winning candidate’s efforts will be accompanied by
an original piece of paper artwork, which will be officially handed over to the winners in an award ceremony at the European Parliament in Brussels.

“We encourage not only companies but all kinds of organisations working with paper recycling to apply with their projects. Among last years’ winners, for example, we had a French high school, a German paper manufacturer and a Spanish association.” adds Jori Ringman, Secretary of the ERPC.

For more information, please contact the ERPC Secretariat, Jori Ringman, at +32 2 627 49 19, +32 478 255070 (gsm), erpc@cepi.org or visit www.paperrecovery.eu